Meet the LGBTQ+ Founded Brands Shaping the Future of Beauty

1. DEW OF THE GODS + TOYFACTORY™

LGBTQ+ founder Ryan Dubs is behind not one, but two trailblazing beauty brands that are rewriting the rules of glam. First, there’s DEW OF THE GODS, a divine skincare line that channels celestial vibes and ancient wisdom into products like the H-DEW-O Blue Spirulina Daily Gel Moisturizer and Amalfi Gold Hair Serum. Then there’s TOYFACTORY™, where smart makeup meets skin-first innovation—think: vegan, clean formulas powered by skincare science, like the fan-favorite Hylash™ Hyaluronic Serum Mascara. Whether you're in it for the glow, the tech, or both, Dubs’s brands are all about pushing boundaries, celebrating identity, and making bold, unapologetic beauty moves.

2. MOBEAUTY

Guided by the expertise of drag artist extraordinaire Mo Heart, this brand encapsulates the transformative power of makeup and skincare. With a commitment to accessible luxury, MOBEAUTY presents a range of affordable, solution-based products that deliver remarkable results while keeping simplicity at the forefront. Drawing on the intersection of beauty and innovation, each creation is meticulously crafted to elevate your skincare routine and enhance your natural radiance. We love their Set It Up Setting Spray, which keeps our skin looking dewy and fresh all day.

3. CONTEXT SKIN

Immerse yourself in the allure of CONTEXT SKIN, an LGBTQ+ founded beauty brand with a commitment to both purity and efficacy. Each product is formulated to offer anti-aging solutions that truly deliver, nourishing your skin with the goodness of natural ingredients. As a go-to source for healthy beauty, CONTEXT SKIN invites everyone to indulge in their transformative experience. With a resolute dedication to authenticity and quality, CONTEXT SKIN stands tall as a beacon of clean, natural beauty, radiating a timeless allure that transcends conventional boundaries. Their Dual Lip Pencils and Shimmer Eye Sticks are recent Ipster favorites.

4. FORMULA Z COSMETICS

Prepare to unleash your inner beauty rebel with FORMULA Z. The brainchild of founder and CEO Zach Dishinger, the brand is making waves as an inclusive, LGBTQ+ founded beauty brand that celebrates diversity like no other. With a vibrant spirit and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, FORMULA Z disrupts the beauty scene with its boundary-breaking makeup and skincare creations. This brand is a fierce advocate for embracing individuality, ensuring that their products are a force of empowerment for everyone regardless of gender, race, or culture. From the fearless color palettes (we’re looking at you, Pretty Magic 12-Pan Eyeshadow Palette!) to adorable and transformative skincare (like Iamsopretty® Pimple Patches), FORMULA Z unleashes a wave of self-expression.

5. JVN HAIR

Ready to slay the style game? Look no further than JVN HAIR, the product line created by the fabulous and fearless Jonathan Van Ness. This LGBTQ+ founded beauty brand is here to transform your tresses into a work of art while keeping it all clean. With JVN HAIR, everyone can discover their best hair self and strut with confidence, exuding that inner glow. JVN HAIR is on a mission to give you hair that's not only stunning but also healthy (JVN HAIR Nurture Deep Moisture Mask is an IPSY member fave!). Whether you're rocking vibrant hues, sleek locks, or bouncy curls, JVN HAIR has got your back… or head.

6. KIMCHI CHIC BEAUTY

Introduced as a contestant on the iconic RuPaul's Drag Race, Kim Chi has amassed a global following of 1.8 million. With KIMCHI CHIC BEAUTY, you can now dive headfirst into the vibrant, glittery world of drag-inspired beauty. This LGBTQ+ founded brand brings you show-stopping cosmetics that allow you to express your truest self, no matter how fierce, fabulous, or extra you want to be—you might have even received their stunning KIMCHI CHIC BEAUTY Thailor Bronzer in a past Glam Bag. We also love that the brand is also a proud supporter of the Trevor Project, a champion for LGBTQ+ mental health and suicide prevention. With each purchase, a portion of the proceeds goes towards this important cause, because beauty goes beyond the surface.

7. LOVE+CRAFT+BEAUTY

Ignite your creativity with LOVE+CRAFT+BEAUTY, created by the makeup artist Francelle Daly. This LGBTQ+ brand is all about celebrating the wild and wonderful world of personal style and extreme beauty. With LOVE+CRAFT+BEAUTY, it's all about embracing your unique essence and expressing it with fearless confidence. Their philosophy is simple but powerful: Love yourself, love your craft, and love your beauty. They believe in the transformative power of makeup as a tool for self-expression and the reinforcement of a positive self-image. With a wide range of products that push the boundaries of creativity and individuality (we’re loving their Eyeshadow Trio in Rave N' Roll), LOVE+CRAFT+BEAUTY invites you to take pride in your makeup craft.

8. OLEHENRIKSEN

Take your skincare game to new heights with OLEHENRIKSEN, the clinical Scandinavian skincare brand founded by the visionary LGBTQ+ icon Ole Henriksen. This brand is all about loving yourself and your skin. Promising to deliver joy and results in every bottle with their transformative skincare products, OLEHENRIKSEN is here to help you achieve that lit-from-within complexion, aka the #OleGlow. From their iconic Banana Bright+ Eye Crème, which is packed with vitamin C goodness, to their soothing staple Cold Plunge Moisturizer and the dual-action OLEHENRIKSEN 10% AHA Strawberry Lemonade Smoothing Scrub​, each product is designed to bring out your skin's natural beauty. With OLEHENRIKSEN, self-care becomes a delightful ritual, and your skincare routine turns into an empowering act of self-love.

9. ONE/SIZE

Known for his infectious energy, incredible talent, and unbreakable individuality, Patrick Starrr has taken the beauty industry—and our Icon Box and podcast Hitting Pan—by storm. With his line product line ONE/SIZE, Starrr brings his expertise and passion for self-expression to life, creating a brand that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and unapologetic self-love. From mesmerizing eyeshadow palettes (like the iconic ONE/SIZE PATRICK STARRR Visionary Eyeshadow Palette) to flawless blush palettes (we all love their Cheek Clapper 3D Blush Trio Palettes), each ONE/SIZE product is a testament to Starrr's dedication to empowering individuals to express themselves authentically and boldly.

10. VOLITION BEAUTY

Founded by two longtime friends and brilliant beauty industry insiders (with nearly 40 years of combined experience), VOLITION BEAUTY is shaking up the status quo like never before. Tired of the same old overpriced products and exaggerated claims, they set out to create something extraordinary. Their vision? To build a beauty company that goes beyond products and instead focuses on empowering people. At VOLITION BEAUTY, it's not about pushing unnecessary items onto consumers—it's about celebrating individuality, embracing authenticity, and redefining beauty on your own terms. With their innovative approach to products, like their Chocolate Macadamia Hydrating Mask with Hyaluronic Acid + Vegan Collagen, and their audacious spirit, they're on a mission to transform an entire industry.

Use code PRIDE25 for 25% off your order at volitionbeauty.com. Valid 6/1-6/30/25.

*This offers excludes already discounted items (bundles, kits, pre-orders).

11. EDDIE FUNKHOUSER

EDDIE FUNKHOUSER is where artistry meets inclusivity. Founded by makeup artist Eddie Funkhouser, this brand is a celebration of bold, expressive beauty that transcends boundaries. Their philosophy is simple: “Allow all people to be bold and find their inner rockstar.” With high-performance products that deliver professional results (like the Ultra Definition Eyeliner in Black), EDDIE FUNKHOUSER empowers individuals to play, experiment, and create looks that reflect their unique personalities. 

12. SONÄGE SKINCARE

Embrace the beauty of nature with SONÄGE SKINCARE, a brand that blends the best of science and botanicals to create luxurious, effective skincare solutions. Founded by Anisha Khanna, SONÄGE is rooted in the belief that healthy skin should be accessible to all. With a commitment to clean, cruelty-free ingredients, this LGBTQ+ founded brand offers a range of products that nourish, protect, and rejuvenate your skin. From their deeply nourishing Vitality Nourishing Facial Oil to their glow-giving Saffron Energizing Vitamin Mask, SONÄGE SKINCARE transforms your routine into a ritual of self-care and wellness.

13. MALIN + GOETZ

Discover the minimalist magic of MALIN + GOETZ, a skincare brand that champions simplicity and efficacy. Founded by Matthew Malin and Andrew Goetz, this LGBTQ+ brand is all about balancing natural ingredients with advanced technology to create products that are gentle yet effective. With a focus on sensitive skin, MALIN + GOETZ offers a range of essentials, like their Ipster favorite Recovery Treatment Oil. Each product is designed to streamline your routine and enhance your skin’s natural beauty, making skincare a straightforward and pleasurable experience.

14. MISS FAME

Created by drag artist and model Kurtis Frank Dam-Mikkelsen (aka Miss Fame), this eponymous brand celebrates the art of drag and the power of makeup to elevate and empower. MISS FAME’s collection features high-quality, bold products (like the Crème and Powder Blush Duo) that allow you to create show-stopping looks with ease. Whether you’re looking for the perfect red lip or a dramatic eyeshadow palette, MISS FAME encourages you to embrace your most fabulous self and express your individuality with confidence and flair.

15. LUNAR BEAUTY

Founded by beauty influencer and entrepreneur Manny MUA, LUNAR BEAUTY draws inspiration from the mystical and the magical, offering a range of products that help you shine like the stars. With a commitment to inclusivity and creativity, LUNAR BEAUTY’s range includes richly pigmented eyeshadows, luminous blushes, and velvety lip products. The brand encourages self-expression and to make every user feel like their most radiant self. 

16. POLITE SOCIETY

Brought to you by Jerrod Blandino and Jeremy Johnson, the same creative geniuses behind TOO FACED, this LGBTQ+ founded brand is committed to creating effective, sustainable products that respect both your skin and the environment. With a focus on natural ingredients and ethical practices, POLITE SOCIETY makes everything from purifying cleansers and rejuvenating serums to show-stopping mascara, and each product is designed to enhance your skin’s health while minimizing your ecological footprint.

17. STEEL SKIN

Discover the strength of STEEL SKIN, a skincare brand that champions resilience and authenticity. Founded by John Steel, STEEL SKIN offers products that are as tough on the signs of aging as they are gentle on your skin (exhibit A: the brand’s powerhouse STEEL SKIN Power Retinol Eye Masks). With advanced formulations that incorporate potent antioxidants and nourishing ingredients, STEEL SKIN’s range is designed to protect, repair, and rejuvenate.

18. KEVYN AUCOIN

Celebrate the legacy of a true makeup legend with KEVYN AUCOIN. Founded by the late, great makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, this brand is a testament to his philosophy that beauty lies within every individual. With products that range from the iconic Sculpting Powder to the Ipster fave The Volume Mascara, KEVYN AUCOIN continues to set the standard for high-performance makeup. Each product is formulated to enhance your natural beauty and to inspire confidence, allowing you to create looks that are as bold or as subtle as you want.

19. ONEKIND

Elevate your skincare routine with ONEKIND, a brand that believes luxury should be affordable and effective. Founded by Matthew Taylor Ruggieri, this LGBTQ+ friendly brand offers clean, high-quality skincare at accessible prices. ONEKIND’s formulations are packed with potent botanicals and advanced ingredients that deliver visible results. Their potent products (like ONEKIND Aciddrops Overnight Resurfacing Serum) are designed to enhance your skin’s health and radiance.

20. BYOMA

Step into the future of skincare with BYOMA, a brand that prioritizes barrier-boosting ingredients to enhance your skin’s natural defenses. Founded by LGBTQ+ entrepreneur Marc Elrick, BYOMA is all about minimalism and efficacy. Their products, such as the Clarifying Serum and the Moisturizing Rich Cream, are designed to be simple yet effective, providing your skin with everything it needs to stay healthy and radiant. With a focus on sustainability and inclusivity, BYOMA makes skincare straightforward and accessible for everyone.

21. ARTIST COUTURE

Unleash your inner artist with ARTIST COUTURE, a brand founded by celebrity makeup artist Angel Merino (aka mac_daddyy). Known for its high-quality, innovative products, ARTIST COUTURE is a celebration of creativity and self-expression. From their Love Sprung Palette to the versatile Liquid Eyeshadows, each product will inspire and elevate your makeup game. With a commitment to inclusivity, ARTIST COUTURE offers a diverse range of shades and finishes, ensuring that everyone can find their perfect match and create looks that reflect their unique style.

22. CLARK'S BOTANICALS

Experience the healing power of nature with CLARK'S BOTANICALS, a brand founded by Francesco Clark after a life-changing spinal cord injury left his skin permanently impacted. This LGBTQ+ friendly brand combines the best of botanicals with advanced science to create products that nurture and transform your skin. From their radiance-boosting 7-Acid Daily Glow Peel to the rejuvenating Ultra-Rich Lip Balm, the entire line is designed to enhance your skin’s health and radiance, making self-care a truly restorative experience.

23. NON GENDER SPECIFIC

NON GENDER SPECIFIC is here to help you break free from traditional beauty norms. Founded by Andrew Glass, this LGBTQ+ beauty brand offers multi-functional products that cater to all skin types and all genders. With a commitment to sustainability and simplicity, NON GENDER SPECIFIC’s range includes powerful products like the Phytonutrient Concentrate and the Flooid Fragrance, designed to streamline your routine while delivering comprehensive benefits. Embrace a new era of beauty that transcends boundaries with NON GENDER SPECIFIC.

24. ​PATRICK TA BEAUTY

Celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta launched his namesake brand to celebrate the confidence and beauty he found through makeup—especially as a gay Vietnamese-American man in an industry that didn’t always reflect his story. His journey from self-doubt to self-love informs every formula he creates, with an emphasis on glowing skin, sculpted features, and luxurious textures that help you feel major. Built to empower everyone to feel seen, sexy, and self-assured, PATRICK TA BEAUTY has become synonymous with modern glam. Hero products like the Major Skin Crème Foundation & Finishing Powder Duo, Monochrome Moment Velvet Blush, and Major Brow Shaping Wax deliver elevated artistry with a wearable edge—whether you’re doing a full beat or just faking a post-facial glow.

25. ABOUT-FACE 

Founded by pop icon Halsey, ABOUT-FACE is a celebration of radical self-expression and the idea that beauty should never be binary. After years of navigating the music and beauty worlds as someone who never quite fit the mold, Halsey created ABOUT-FACE for anyone who sees makeup as both a tool and a canvas. Pigment-packed, performance-driven, and always unexpected, the brand invites you to play, paint, and push boundaries. From the smudge-proof Matte Fluid Eye Paint™ to the glowy Light Lock Highlight Fluid and vivid Paint-It Matte Lip Color, every product is designed to let you create—and recreate—your look on your own terms.

26. MAKEUP BY MARIO 

Mario Dedivanovic spent two decades shaping modern glam before launching his own line—and with it, a new standard for artistry-first beauty. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Dedivanovic’s path to self-acceptance is deeply woven into his brand’s DNA. What started as a way to find confidence and connection through makeup has become a mission to make pro-level products accessible to all. His formulas marry simplicity with performance, delivering effortless elegance that works on every face. Standouts like the SurrealSkin Foundation, Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette, and MoistureGlow™ Plumping Lip Serum make it easy to recreate Dedivanovic’s signature techniques—no glam squad required.

27. MAC COSMETICS 

Since its founding in the ’80s, MAC COSMETICS has been a trailblazer in inclusive beauty and a longtime supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. Co-founded by Frank Toskan and the late Frank Angelo, MAC was built on the belief that makeup is for everyone, long before that was a mainstream idea. Their vision of beauty as bold, expressive, and boundary-breaking continues to shape the industry today. Through its iconic Viva Glam campaign, MAC has raised hundreds of millions for HIV/AIDS organizations and LGBTQ+ initiatives worldwide. Beloved for products like the Prep + Prime Fix+, Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo, Strobe Cream, and their innovative Lash Dry Shampoo Mascara Refresher, MAC remains a staple for makeup lovers of all identities who believe in beauty with a purpose.